When it comes to teaching critical thinking, most schools just don’t measure up. It falls back on parents to instill these skills in their children from a young age, but some parents might have a lot of questions when it comes to figuring out how to raise independent thinkers with critical-thinking skills. Books that teach critical thinking, like the Tuttle Twins history books, are a great place to start! Let’s talk about why history offers the perfect lens for teaching critical thinking to kids. (There’s also the Constitution Day Sale going on right now!)
Here's What’s Involved in Critical Thinking
It all starts with an understanding of what critical thinking involves. If you’re trying to see how to raise independent thinkers, you’re absolutely on the right track.
Kids who can think critically are able to interpret and describe a problem, situation or idea — without bias entering into the equation. They can analyze the information presented to them and look critically at the sources for that information to determine their credibility.
These kids can then draw logical conclusions based on the evidence they have and spot the consequences or implications of a decision or position. Critical thinkers are capable of correcting their own thinking when presented with new information and acknowledging any personal biases they might have.
Kids who are critical thinkers question assumptions regularly, seek out new information, are open minded, always evaluating their own thoughts, and spend time closely evaluating all angles of an argument. Critical thinking is applied via problem solving and decision making.
Why History?
With an understanding of what critical thinking involves, you may already be seeing the pieces of why history is such a good way to teach these skills fall into place. History tells us a story about what happened in the past, but the best textbooks don’t stop there. Kids should also learn why things happened the way they did, the consequences of those events or decisions, and what could have been done differently to bring about better consequences for all.
Lessons about American history for kids should be centered around the whys instead of just the whats, and the right educational books for children will teach it this way. Additionally, books that teach critical thinking like the Tuttle Twins history books don’t tell about past events in a way that just elicits snores from your kids.
Instead, the Tuttle Twins series encloses every lesson on American history for kids in an exciting adventure that will engage them and pique their interest in unique ways. For once, you’ll discover that your kids are just dying to learn more about American history!
Books That Teach Critical Thinking Through History
The Tuttle Twins series includes a couple of books that teach critical thinking through history. America’s History Volumes 1 and 2 aren’t your typical textbooks. They bring kids through the events that led to the formation of this country and explain why things happened the way they did. These lessons on American history for kids will help walk your children through the critical-thinking process, demonstrating how to apply these skills to real life.
There’s even a curriculum to help enhance their learning more. Try taking the lessons learned in America’s History and applying them to current events, showing how history repeats itself or how things have changed over the years. Help your kids see how critical thinking is used in real life through application to current events.
With books that teach critical thinking like the Tuttle Twins history books, your kids will get a leg up on life in the real world!
